Hartenstein emphasized that personal pride must be secondary to team success.
"If you want to play in a team sport, if you want to play on a team like this, you really have to put your ego aside and do what’s best for the team," Hartenstein said.
The center credited the coaching staff for maintaining a focused environment that allows players to adapt to structural changes.
"Mark does a great job of just communicating," Hartenstein said. "That’s one of his biggest strengths."
Hartenstein recalled that the organization's culture was a key factor during his recruitment by Thunder executive vice president Sam Presti.
"I can't promise you minutes. I can't promise you your role, but I can promise you a culture," Hartenstein said, quoting Presti.
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Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 30 points and nine assists, supporting the strategic decision to rely on Hartenstein's physical interior presence.
